Notice that new, hyped-up buzz along Chinatown’s 7th Street lately? Both Lime Fresh Mexican Grill (726 7th Street) and It’Sugar (714 7th Street) have added a playful vibe since opening recently on the busy street that’s also home to Legal Sea Foods (704 7th Street), La Tosca (722 7th Street), California Tortilla (728 7th Street), Chop’t Creative Salad Company (730 7th Street), and Fuddruckers (734 7th Street).
Lime, a Tennessee-based chain in 2,000 square feet (SF) of space once occupied by Potbelly, has lines going out the door. Folks are crowding the fast-casual eatery to sample a variety of Mexican food, a vegetarian menu and … wait, is that a life-size cutout, or photo stand in, board out front? Why, it sure is! Hence, that playful element we mentioned.
Meanwhile, just a few doors down, it’s all about fun and sweets. It’Sugar, the specialty candy shop and gift retailer, is a haze of bright color and all things sugary. Its open doors invite you in … and it’s hard to leave. There’s so much to see, and eat. The 1,775 SF store is It’Sugar’s first D.C. location. The shop replaced Mephisto Shoes, which closed earlier this year.
It’Sugar offers a wide assortment of chocolate, gummy, novelty, supersized, sugar free and retro items, including Sugar Babies, Charleston Chew and Clark Bar. The sweet shop also sells accessories, jewelry, beauty and brand items such as Hello Kitty.
Gotta go! It’s time to eat …